Translation and Meaning of: 挨拶 - aisatsu

If you've ever watched an anime or tried to learn Japanese, you've probably come across the word 挨拶 (あいさつ) — that basic greeting everyone uses, but which hides much more than a simple "hi". In this article, we will unveil the origin, the everyday use in Japanese life, and even tips for memorizing this essential term. Besides the meaning and translation, you will discover how the Japanese use this word in formal and informal situations, as well as trivia about the kanji that makes up 挨拶. And if you're using Anki to study, get ready to add some useful phrases to your deck!

Origin and etymology of 挨拶

The word 挨拶 has roots in Zen Buddhism, where the ideograms originally represented philosophical concepts. The first kanji, 挨 (ai), carries the idea of "pushing" or "making a way," while 拶 (satsu) means "to squeeze" or "pressure." Together, they symbolized an intense dialogue between master and disciple — a kind of "verbal push-and-pull" to achieve spiritual enlightenment. Over time, the term became popularized to gain the everyday meaning of "greeting."

It's interesting to note that, although today あいさつ is almost always written in hiragana in everyday life, kanji still appear in formal contexts. Those who have worked in a Japanese company know: a professional email hardly ever starts without a well-placed 拶拶. This duality between the simplified and the traditional reflects well how the Japanese language balances practicality and tradition.

Lies in Japanese everyday life

Unlike Portuguese, where "oi" serves for almost everything, in Japan the type of 挨拶 varies drastically depending on the situation. In the morning, it is mandatory to say おはようございます (good morning) to colleagues, while in the evening お疲れ様です (literally "you're tired, right?") dominates the office hallways. Even the intonation changes — try saying こんにちは with a very loud voice and you will sound like a desperate tourist.

A curiosity that few courses teach: the Japanese use 挨拶 also as a verb (挨拶する). Have you ever heard someone say 「先輩に挨拶しなさい」 ("greet your senpai")? Well, in these cases, it’s not just about saying "hi", but about showing respect through the appropriate greeting. This detail makes all the difference when you are trying to fit in at work or school.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

To not forget how to write 挨拶, a technique that worked for me was to associate the kanjis with images. The 挨 looks like someone pushing a door (the hand radical helps), while 拶 resembles pressure — imagine shaking someone's hand when greeting. If you are the type who learns with music, the children's singer しまじろう has a great song about あいさつ that sticks in your head.

A common joke: many confuse 挨拶 with 愛想 (あいそ), which sounds similar but means "charm". I once saw a friend say 「愛想がありません」 thinking it was "I have no greeting", when in fact he was declaring his own lack of charm — the group laughed, but in the end, everyone learned the difference. These stumbles are part of the process!

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• こんにちは (Konnichiwa) - Good morning/Good afternoon
• おはよう (Ohayou) - bom dia
• こんばんは (Konbanwa) - boa noite
• ご挨拶 (Goaisatsu) - greetings
• ごあいさつ (Goaisatsu) - greetings
• ご挨拶申し上げます (Goaisatsu moushiagemasu) - I would like to extend my greetings to you.
• ご挨拶いたします (Goaisatsu itashimasu) - I would like to extend my greetings to you.
• ごあいさつ申し上げます (Goaisatsu moushiagemasu) - I would like to extend my greetings to you.
• ごあいさついたします (Goaisatsu itashimasu) - I would like to extend my greetings to you.
• ご挨拶させていただきます (Goaisatsu sasete itadakimasu) - I would like to extend my greetings to you.
• ごあいさつさせていただきます (Goaisatsu sasete itadakimasu) - I would like to extend my greetings to you.

挨拶

Romaji: aisatsu
Kana: あいさつ
Type: noun
L: -

Translation / Meaning: greeting

Meaning in English: greeting;salutation

Definition: Words and gestures used when starting a conversation with someone or when ending it with someone.

Example Sentences - (挨拶) aisatsu

See below some example sentences:

冒頭に挨拶をする。

Boutou ni aisatsu wo suru

Do a greeting at the beginning.

Gold the beginning.

• 冒頭 - means "beginning" in Japanese.
• に - is a Japanese particle that indicates where or when something happens. In this case, it indicates that the action of "挨拶をする" (making a greeting) takes place at "冒頭" (the beginning).
• 挨拶 - means "greeting" in Japanese.
• を - is a Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of a sentence. In this case, it indicates that the action of "する" (to do) is directed towards "挨拶" (greeting).
• する - is a Japanese verb meaning "to do". In this case, it is used to indicate the action of "making a greeting" at the "冒頭" (beginning).

挨拶は大切な社交行為です。

Aisatsu wa taisetsu na shakou koui desu

Greetings are an important social act.

• 挨拶 (aisatsu) - greeting
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 大切 (taisetsu) - important, valuable
• な (na) - adjective particle
• 社交 (shakou) - socialization, social interaction
• 行為 (koui) - action, behavior
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present